Page 15 of 3rd and 4 (Season of Change #3)

I can’t wipe the giddy grin off my face, but it’s not like I’m trying. I meet Eva at one of the crosswalks that lead to the entrance of the stadium. She’s got the same shit-eating grin on her face.

“You’re all loved up. Good to see your girl bringing a smile to your face.

” I roll my eyes at Eva’s teasing and keep walking up the slight incline.

Truth is, I haven’t spent time alone with Daya in more than two days.

Not for a lack of trying but between classes and studying, we haven’t had the time.

Seeing her at practice isn’t enough. However, I was reminded that I’ve neglected my boys and Daya insisted I go to dinner with Ty, Lyn, Prib, Hall, and a bunch of other guys on the football team and cheer squad last night.

It was good for the soul to hang out with them.

I missed Daya, but I didn’t realize how much I needed a night with the guys until I was sitting in a booth, surrounded by my friends, getting roasted for the epic photo spread and story that hit the university’s website and print publications earlier in the week.

I’ve heard murmurs across campus; it seems to be a big hit with everyone.

Edee did a fantastic job capturing Daya’s immense natural talent, beauty, and strength.

My favorite photo, which was the centerfold, is of me beneath Daya, ready to catch her, absolutely entranced.

Eternally devoted. Her back arched, the blue flowy gauze skirt thingy stretched out artfully, her head nearly touching the soles of her feet, giving her an ethereal aesthetic.

I’m having that shit blown up and framed.

Of course, my unending grin today has nothing to do with any of that.

Edee came through for me in a big way and Eva and I are about to execute my little project before the game.

We talked with the others on the squad, double checking for consent.

Not a single person we asked objected. So, Eva and I are armed with our trusty tape, ready to get things rolling.

“Let’s do this!” Eva grunts exaggeratedly, making me laugh, as we high five.

We split off with the agreement we’ll meet up outside the locker rooms in a bit.

Wouldn’t want to miss a moment of the show.

By the time everyone else on the squad, and the football players and support staff start rolling in, I’m just about done.

In the men’s locker room, I change quickly while they laugh and poke fun at each other.

I’m moseying on down to the women’s locker room to meet Eva, when the screeching starts.

Like music to my ears. I’m not normally a vindictive or vengeful person…

though no one has ever messed with someone I love, so I guess I didn’t know I had it in me.

But I will go scorched earth for Daya in a heartbeat.

Shaye, Lindsay, and Jillian throw open the doors and stomp out with crumpled paper clutched in their angry fists. Shaye spots me first, and points at me, murderous intent clear on her mottled face.

She screams. “You did this on purpose! I’m reporting you for harassment!”

“What? Moi?” I feign innocence, but the French might have been a step too far.

“You printed these to humiliate me!”

“Whatever do you mean? This is a team building exercise.” I nod toward Eva behind the girls. She’s got a smug grin and a satisfied gleam in her eyes. I should remind myself never to piss her off. “If you have a problem, you can take it up with your captain.”

Shaye’s a little maniacal, waving her hands around, spit flying from her lipsticked lips. Her tone is low and lethal when she hisses, “You did this for her. ” I know exactly who she’s referring to, and damn right I did.

I shake my head forlornly, taking a step closer to Shaye. “I did this to remind everyone on the squad that no one is above anyone else.”

“Are there more?” Jillian asks quietly. If it wasn’t for the scowl and fury in her eyes, I’d think she was sad. Nope, just pissed.

“More what?” There is a large crowd now, both locker rooms emptying in the hallway to watch the shit show.

“More pictures,” Lindsay begins, swallows hard, and continues, “of us…awful, ugly pictures!” Tears form in her eyes, and I might feel bad if not for the joy they displayed at my girl’s dismay when the tables were turned. They brought this on themselves. Fuck around and find out.

I shrug casually. “Maybe.” I lean down a little, like I’m sharing a secret. “Didn’t you get the email?”

“Email?” Jillian and Lindsay whisper together.

Eva pushes past them to stand next to me. “We notified the team we’d be doing this.”

“I’m gonna make her pay for this!” Shaye screeches like a B-rated movie villain, complete with shaking raised fists.

All humor bleeds from my expression, as I stare down at them. “You got a problem with anything; you take it up with me.” I pound my chest.

“Or me.” Eva declares, then winks at me and pounds her own chest.

“AHH!” Shaye storms off, no doubt in search of more photos. Too bad she won’t find them all, I plastered the men’s locker rooms for the cheer squad and the football team. And I giggled like a little boy the entire time. It’s the little things in life, you know?

Jillian and Lindsay rush after her. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief, then we break apart to finish getting ready for the game. Daya slinks out of the locker room and sidles up to me. I put my arm across her shoulders and kiss the top of her head.

“You did this for me?” She blinks up at me, her eyes big and fathomless, her cheeks lightly flushed.

“We all have moments that aren’t exactly flattering, no reason yours should be the only one on display.”

“I can’t believe you did this for me.” She turns to the stragglers in the hallway, “Thank you.”

Tori, a senior cheerleader, smiles at Daya. “No need to thank us, we got your back. Besides, some of these pictures are fucking hilarious and gonna be used as fodder for years to come. The fuckoning is upon us!”

She raises her hands in the air and strides back into the women’s locker room chanting, “The fuckoning!”.

I shift to stand in front of Daya, my hands caressing her neck, my thumbs running along her jawline.

“Edee was very helpful, taking pictures of everyone on the squad at inopportune moments, I printed them out, and taped them up with Eva’s help. ”

“I want to be shocked that Edee helped, but I’m not. She hates Shaye.”

“Yeah,” I say with a chuckle, “she was quite eager to participate.”

Daya’s smile drops, her eyes darting up to mine, brows dipping with worry. “You aren’t going to get in trouble for this?”

With a shrug, I respond, “Nah. It wasn’t hazing or harassment. Eva and I sent out emails to everyone letting them know what we were doing. Not my fault they didn’t check their inbox…or spam folder.”

Appeased, Daya’s sinful lips stretch back into a brilliant smile. On her tip toes, she kisses me. Passionately. She breaks the kiss way too soon, whispering, “Thank you.”

I kiss her again. “Anything for you, Itty Bitty.”

“And me? Do I get a little action, too?” Shit. I drop my head to my chest and start laughing. I forgot Eva was still here. Right next to us. Making it weird.

Daya laughs, then launches herself at Eva, peppering her face with smoochy kisses. “Thank you!”

Eva frowns, “No tongue?”